FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ section tries to answer as many of the most commonly asked questions, as possible. If you have a question which isn’t listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01582 470900.

General FAQs

Q.

When can I visit the Disability Resource Centre?

A. For enquiries regarding information, please phone or call in between 10am and 4pm. For enquiries about equipment it is best to make an appointment so that we can make sure there is someone available to help. However, you can drop in without an appointment on wednesdays during the times above.

Q.

Who should I ask to speak to when I phone or visit the Disability Resource Centre?

A.

If you want to find out about things like holidays, insurance, benefits advice, blue badges, transport, employment or information for carers please contact the information service. If you want to try out a scooter. riser/recliner, stair lift or kitchen equipment, or need to know where to get a furrule for your walking frame, or would like to hire a wheelchair please ask for the equipment service.

Q.

What age groups do you give disability advice to?

A.

We help people with disabilities at any age from babies to the very elderly.

Q.

Do you give disability advice to people from all areas?

A.

Our advice service covers Luton, Bedford Borough and Bedfordshire. This means that we give you the advice that is relevant to the area in which you live.

Personalisation FAQs

Q.

I am interested in the Direct Payment Support Scheme. How can I find out more information?

A.

You can contact us on 01582 470900 if you are in the Bedford or Luton area.

Personal Assistant Register FAQs

Q.

What kind of work is it?

A.

People recruit Personal Assistants to assist them with all aspects of daily life. This can include: • Domestic tasks – Preparing meals, housework, laundry • Personal care – Dressing, bathing, feeding, toileting • Social and Community – Escorting on outings, accessing community facilities, participating in activities with clients • Child Care – Caring for a disabled child, engaging in activities with the child, personal care, escorting to and from school • Errands – Shopping, collecting prescriptions, driving • Administrative – Assisting with paperwork or correspondence • Sitting Service – Supervising a service user while their regular carer takes a break

Q.

Who is my employer?

A.

Your employer is the person you will be assisting. You may work for more than one employer via the PA Register. Terms and conditions of your employment are a matter for negotiation between the Personal Assistant and the employer.

Q.

How many hours will I have to work?

A.

Your hours of work will be agreed with your employer. Some roles may only be for a few hours per week, and some may be full time. We will match your availability with the needs of our clients. Once you have began working for an employer, any change to your working hours must be negotiated directly between yourself and your employer.

Q.

How will I be paid?

A.

You will be paid directly by your employer either by bank transfer or personal cheque. You will be paid every four weeks in arrears. Your rate of pay will be agreed by your employer, and you will receive a payslip every time you are paid. Tax and National Insurance contributions will be deducted from your pay if necessary, and you will be entitled to the statutary amount of paid annual leave.

Q.

What is a CRB check?

A.

You may be required by a client to have a Criminal Record Bureau Disclosure check, which would be paid for by the client. A CRB Disclosure is a security check which reveals if a candidate has ever had a conviction with the police. This is recommended to check the background of candidates who work with vulnerable adults or children. A conviction on a CRB would not necessarily prevent a person from doing this kind of work, but it is important to reveal this information to prospective employers.

Q.

What training will I have to do?

A.

Additional training may be required to deal with a client’s individual needs. The Disability Resource Centre may be able to provide training, or advise you of relevant courses available in this area. If you feel that you would benefit from additional training to enhance your skills we would support you in finding the right courses.